Your New Family Member is Waiting
Adopt a Dog or Cat
Your future pet is here, and we can’t wait to introduce you!
Thinking about adoption? You’re in the right place.
Whether this is your first pet or your fifth, our adoption counselors are here to listen, guide and help you find the dog or cat who fits your home, your lifestyle and your family.
No pressure — just good conversations and a lot of very lovable animals. Not sure yet? Ask about our Slumber Party program. Bring a potential new family member home for a trial sleepover and see how everyone settles in before making it official. And our support doesn’t stop at adoption.
How to Adopt
Bringing home a new family member is easier than you think. Both our Main Shelter and Chandler locations welcome walk-ins — no appointment needed.
- Browse our Dog Gallery and Cat Gallery online, then come in when you’re ready to meet your favorites in person.
- We encourage you to bring the whole family, including your dog (if you have one).
- Dog-to-dog introductions are an important part of finding the right fit and may be required in some cases.
- If you have a dog at home who hasn’t lived with cats and you’re interested in adopting a cat, we’ll ask you to bring your dog to help ensure everyone is comfortable.
- When you arrive, one of our adoption counselors will get to know you, talk through what you’re looking for and help you find the right match for your home.
- You’ll have the opportunity to meet dogs one-on-one in our play yards, and any potential dog siblings will be carefully introduced.
- When you’ve found your family’s next member, we’ll take care of the paperwork and share everything that’s included with your adoption.
- Then it’s time to head home and start your life together.
You’re Never In
It Alone
Our Adoption Support team checks in during your first year together. From behavior questions to everyday pet tips, we’re here for the lifetime of your pet. When you adopt from AAWL, this community has your back.
Have questions? Call us at 602-273-6852 x116. Our team is happy to help. We can’t wait to help you find your new family member.
Walk-Ins Welcome. No Appointment Necessary.
Visit Us. We’d Love to Meet You.
Main Shelter
Sonia Breslow Adoption Center
Where it all begins. Our main shelter in Phoenix is home to a wide range of adoptable cats and dogs, all cared for, medically evaluated and ready to meet their match.
25 N. 40th St. Phoenix, AZ, 85034 (North of Washington St.)
602-273-6852
ADOPTION HOURS:
Monday: Closed
Tuesday – Friday: 11:30am to 6pm
Saturday: 10:30am to 6pm
Sunday: 11:30am to 6pm
Chandler Fashion Center
Adoption Center
Adopt while you shop. Located inside Chandler Fashion Center, this space makes it easy to meet adoptable pets in a relaxed, everyday setting—no special trip required.
3111 W. Chandler Blvd., AZ, 85226 (Near Dillard’s on the 2nd floor)
(602) 781-3906
ADOPTION HOURS:
Monday – Saturday: 10am to 9pm
Sunday: 11am to 6pm
Onsite Cat Adoptions
PetSmart
PetSmart 24th St. & Baseline
2475 E. Baseline Rd., Phoenix 85042
(602) 232-1090
PetSmart Tatum & Shea
10825 N Tatum Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85028
(480) 367-9680
A Few Helpful Details
FAQs
We want your adoption to feel simple, clear and stress-free. Here are a few helpful things to know before you book or stop by.
How old do you have to be to adopt?
You must be 18 years old to adopt.
What if I don’t see a pet I’m interested in?
Our gallery is updated throughout the day as new pets become available for adoption, so make sure to check back often, because the right one might show up when you least expect it.
What’s included in the adoption fee?
Every pet goes home ready for their next chapter:
- Spay/Neuter Surgery
- Current on vaccinations
- Microchip with free lifetime updates
- Lifetime 15% off AAWL training classes for dog adoptions
- Access to our support team and behavior helpline for the life of your pet
What if I’m not sure how a pet will do in my home?
Ask about our Slumber Party program. Bring a potential new family member home for a trial sleepover and see how everyone settles in before making it official.
How long does the adoption process take?
Plan for about an hour, though wait times may vary depending on how busy we are.
What if I have questions after adoption?
Our adoption support team reaches out regularly to check in to see how your new family member is settling in, however, you can contact them at any time. Their information is in your adoption packet.
I want to adopt but I’m concerned about the fee. What are my options?
We offer waived adoption fee events throughout the year, and we typically have pets available with a $0 adoption fee at any given time. Don’t let cost be the barrier, reach out and we’ll help find a way.
What if the pet I adopted isn’t the right fit?
Every pet adopted from AAWL is always welcome back. If things don’t work out, whether that’s right away or years down the road, you can bring them back to us. A courtesy call is appreciated but not required. We’ll take it from there.
If you’re unsure, give it a little time. Most pets follow what’s known as the 3-3-3 rule: 3 days to decompress, 3 weeks to learn the routine and 3 months to truly feel at home. A little patience in those early weeks can make a big difference.
What are your hours of operations?
You can find our current hours on our contact page.
Can I put a dog/cat I saw online on hold?
We aren’t able to hold animals for adoption. All pets are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Adoption Fees
What’s Included
Every dog and cat adopted from AAWL goes home with you:
- Spayed or neutered
- Vaccinated
- Microchipped
- Medically and behaviorally evaluated
- Treated for fleas and ticks
Our adoption fees vary based on age, breed, temperament, medical needs and overall condition. We proudly offer senior and veteran discounts.